BY HELEN B. FOSTER, Correspondent

Alice M. Davis of Meshoppen was honored as Baden-Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America’s 2011 Distinguished Citizen at a dinner on Friday evening.

Held at The Summit in New Milford, the 130 attending heard how Davis exempflies in her daily life the ideals of the Boy Scouts as expressed in its oath and law.

The honoree also is known for her community service to worthwhile organizations and for the respect in which she is held by her colleagues. The 2011 recipient joins 29 others who have been honored since this event began in 1988 when the late Judge Donald O’Malley was honored.

Master of Ceremonies Earle Wootton acknowledged past recipients who attended the dinner.

Davis educational quest has taken her to Keystone College, Misericordia, the University of Scranton and Penn State.

In addition to directing the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, she and Richard Serfoss are co-owners of Gracious Living Estates in South Montrose.

She and her husband, attorney Raymond Davis have four children: Charlie, Frank, Marty and Gavin with the newest addition being a grandbaby, Blake. All immediate family members but one son attended the dinner, along with her sisters, other family and professionals she works with, including Serfass and president of the Elk Lake school board, Chuck Place, who offered testimonials.

Speaking an behalf of Baden Powell Council were Scout Executive Roger Hoyt and Delhanna District Executive David Alamo who both told of the great advances made by council and district.

Baden Powell Council is considered one of the top councils in the country, Hoyt said, thanks to the generosity of people like those attending the 2011 dinner and the 2,000 volunteers who work with the scouting program.

Alamo spoke of the 1,900 Scouts attending either CampTuscarora or Camp Barton. This would not be possible without scholarships provided by generous donations from people who support the scouting program.

Eagle Scout Jesse Borosh of Dimock who received his Eagle Scout Award last week was the guest Scout speaker. Borosh concluded his talk by saying, “if everyone lived by the Scout Law the world would be a better place.”

When it came time for Wootton to make the award presentation, he noted Davis’ interest in the Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.

The honoree also serves as a member/board member for Northern Tier Industry Education Consortium; Northern Tier Tech Prep Consortium Advisory Board; Keystone College President’s Advisory Council; Mercy Tyler Home Health Board; United Way of Susquehanna County and Susquehanna County Economic Development Advisory Council.

The program concluded with remarks by the honoree and a video presentation of her life from very early childhood to her many family gatherings and vacations she has enjoyed with her family.